The subsistence use of beluga whale in Bristol Bay by Alaska Natives, 1993

This report describes the subsistence use of beluga whale by Alaska Natives in the Bristol Bay area of southwest Alaska. Information derives from interviews with beluga hunters by the Division of Subsistence, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, with funding from the National Marine Fisheries Service. As described in the report, currently residents of at least twelve communities in the Bristol Bay area are known to harvest or use beluga, including Aleknagik, Clark’s Point, Dillingham, Igiugig, Iliamna, King Salmon, Levelock, Manokotak, Naknek, South Naknek, Togiak and Twin Hills. Historic harvests also occurred at Kulukak and Kangimaq southeast of Platinum. Beluga are used for human consumption and dog food. Beluga meat, skin, and oil are shared between families. Beluga are taken by hunters in shallow water associated with tidal flats or within rivers, primarily during spring or fall, with preferred seasons differing among communities. Beluga are hunted from skiffs with harpoons, floats, and rifles; taken with set nets; and hunted from shore with rifles. Based on interviews with hunters, about 39 beluga were taken by hunters from nine communities in Bristol Bay in 1993. Of these, 33 beluga (84.6 percent) were harvested and 6 beluga (15.4 percent) were struck and lost. Historic takes were reported to be higher when there were greater numbers of dog teams to feed. Beluga hunters convened in Dillingham in March 1994 and voted to form the Bristol Bay Cetuarcutulit, a beluga whale committee representing hunters in the Bristol Bay area.